Danger Seen in Home teaching
The feature story (“God’s Classroom,” Southeast, Long Beach sections, Jan. 29), makes me wonder how certain parents expect public education to be successful. Those mothers or fathers who, out of religious zealousness, withdraw their children from public school might react differently it other parents were to follow their lead for not-theistic reasons.
For example, a parent might object to a son or daughter being required to take physical education because it is not an academic subject. Similarly, a parent might disagree with his child being expected to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.
The list of reasons is as different as the unique personalities and preferences of all of us. Yet, most parents send their children to a public school approved by the State of California.
At the present time, the danger posed by this trend of home study is minimal. Only a few Long Beach parents are violating the law. The fact (that) few parents ever go the court is the real danger. Perhaps school officials fear a repercussion if they tamper with guardians who hide behind a religious guise. Herein lies the real challenge to public education in the state.
GERALD P. LUNDERVILLE
Long Beach
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